Welcome Basnett Plumbing & Heating

Progress! The plumbers have arrived at The Jospeph Maynard project. Basnett Plumbing & Heating started work last week, doing rough-ins and installing our shower/tub units.

We'll keep you updates as work continues, but here's a quick look at Basnett in action last week.

at work in laundry room

(above) guest bath
(below) master bath

This lil' guy was left to stand guard over the weekend

Sink-tacular!

This week has been an adventure as we've sought, found and driven to far off places (ok we didn't leave Massachusetts, but as those of you who live in Worcester County know ... the South Shore might as well be a different country) to find the sink of our dreams.

From the beginning, we knew we wanted a large, deep, double basin soapstone sink to use in the kitchen. We envisioned the way one would look surrounded by the custom cabinets and built-in appliances by New England Country. As you may know ... new, quality soapstone sinks are available, but can be very expensive. But, we never wanted a new one. We sought an antique, handmade sink that had lived many lives serving generations before us. One that would add the right character to The Joseph Maynard House.

That is what New England Country is all about – giving new life to reclaimed materials. But ... as you may also know ... finding an antique piece like this that is in "good shape" is a daunting task. We've looked at many over the past few months and either the price was well above our budget, or the ones that fit our financial parameters were riddled with cracks and chips.

This week, after a comprehensive search on Craigslist.com, we found exactly what we desired. We saw the photos, scrolled down to the price and after sitting for a moment with jaws dropped, we sprang into action. We needed this sink! And we got it.

All it needs is a little polish and shine to revive it's former glory. And the best part is, it has the history we wanted to bring to our home. The piece used to be the main kitchen sink of a breathtaking late-19th century home. The same family has occupied the mansion-like estate for more than 100 years - but after the death of the most-recent patriarch, the home is being put on the market. The sink, which had been demoted to the basement many years ago was practically "given" to us ... much to our pleasure.

Take a look at the photo below, taken on-site at the soapstone sink's former home:

Adding to our sink-tacular week was another amazing find, this time closer to home in Hudson, MA. Just last evening we acquired a massive antique deep-basin porcelain sink for our laundry room. It will fit perfectly with New England Country's plans for the custom-built laundry room.

Our banner week just goes to show that one man's trash is another man's treasure. And we couldn't be happier that the treasure is ours.

Hot Off the Press

Today's Item gives readers an up-close look at The Joseph Maynard Project in Ken Cleveland's "Historic house saved from developers, termites." Pick up a copy on newstands or click on the headline to read online.

Thanks

A big thanks to all who attended for making the New England Country Spring Open House and Ribbon Cutting a huge success -- especially our friends, family, the Wachusett Chamber of Commerce, The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden and State Representative Harold P. Naughton, Jr.

Click HERE to see photos of the event. You can also check out the Tuesday, May 20 edition of The Item to see more photos.

Our Joseph Maynard House realtor, Joanne Atkinson of Concept Homes, also stopped by the event to show her support and to present us with an amazing gift: an authentic Lancaster, MA historical plaque for our new home. Take a look:

In Bloom

Unruly and overgrown, much of the landscape at 100 South Meadow has been left untamed for several years. Even so, the spring weather has ushered in new life and some breathtaking blooms. Take a look:

New England Country Goes Pink

As mentioned a few weeks ago, New England Country will hold its Spring Open House and Ribbon Cutting this Saturday, May 17 at its Furntiure Showroom at 218 High Street, Clinton. Click here for details.

Also, wanted to quickly let you know about another initiative we are working on. In an effort to support the fight against breast cancer, New England Country will raffle off a "pink" cupboard - with antique door, finished in one of our newest spring colors: Mountain Laurel. (See right)

Tickets are $20 each, with ALL proceeds going to help in the fight against Breast Cancer ~ in memory of Patricia (Cadden) Blew.

Purchase your ticket on May 17 at our Spring Open House & Ribbon Cutting, or anytime by contacting newenglandcountry@hotmail.com or by stopping by our showroom any Saturday-Sunday 10-4. The winner will be annouced on Patricia's birthday, June 18.

An "Official" Visit

Last week, we had the pleasure of meeting Lancaster Fire Chief John Fleck and Building Commissioner Richard Pauley. They stopped by The Joseph Maynard Project to survey our progress thus far.

It was a great meeting and we all agreed there will be much collaboration along the way – which is much appreciated by us. In order make the property safe as our future home and up to standard for the Lancaster community, a working relationship with town officials is imperative … and one that we welcome.